Ubuntu-MATE

[Fritz]

Did you tab out the filename? If so, try this:

gunzip ipmiview_2.12.0+build160804.orig.tar.gz
file ipmiview_2.12.0+build160804.orig.tar

The unzipped file should be recognized as a tar archive, and you should then be able to do this (note: no z argument since the file has already been unzipped):

tar xf ipmiview_2.12.0+build160804.orig.tar

Pardon my ignorance but what is "tab out the file name"?

 

[Kybber]

It's a completion feature in bash. Type the first few characters of the file name, then hit tab to autocomplete it. That ensures you get the file name exactly right, including any required escaping of special characters.

 

[Evan]

Pardon my ignorance but what is "tab out the file name"?

On most unix shells you can start typing a file name and the press tab and so long as it's unique it will auto complete the file name for you, of cycle through non unique file names where the first letters match.

 

[Fritz]

Well crap, I found the problem. there was an extra .orig.tar at the end of the file name. I've run the 3 commands above without error. what's next?

 

[Kybber]

Well, since you have just completed the first command in step 3 of the instructions, I would comtinue with the second command

 

[Fritz]

I did but no joy.

sparkey@sparkey-mate:~/Downloads/IPMIView/IPMIView_2.12.0_build.160804_bundleJRE_Linux_x64$ tar xf ../ipmiview_2.12.0+build160804-1~all.debian.tar.xz
tar: ../ipmiview_2.12.0+build160804-1~all.debian.tar.xz: Cannot open: No such file or directory
tar: Error is not recoverable: exiting now
sparkey@sparkey-mate:~/Downloads/IPMIView/IPMIView_2.12.0_build.160804_bundleJRE_Linux_x64$ dpkg-buildpackage -us -uc -sa
tail: cannot open 'debian/changelog' for reading: No such file or directory
dpkg-buildpackage: error: tail of debian/changelog gave error exit status 1
sparkey@sparkey-mate:~/Downloads/IPMIView/IPMIView_2.12.0_build.160804_bundleJRE_Linux_x64$

 

[pricklypunter]

Hehe, it's a learning curve for sure

 

[Kybber]

The new tar command fails with the same error message as the one you had issues with before. My wild guess is that the cause may be quite similar. Did you tab-complete the filename? Also please ensure you completed Step #2, where you download the file.

 

[Fritz]

Thanks all. Really appreciate the most excellent assistance. I've run out of time and have to take care of business so I can continue to support my habit. I'll be back this afternoon.

btw, I've been C&P the commands.

 

[Evan]

Copy and paste watch the '-' sometimes it's converted to a different type of dash

 

[CreoleLakerFan]

Gah, I can't stand KDE. It looks like some random Anime artist vomited all over the desktop. So I have always stuck with Gnome. Best part of the *Nix world is that you can choose.

LOL, to each his own. It's a lot better than the abomination that was Unity.

 

[pricklypunter]

OK @Fritz just for you, I have just posted a quick guide that you might find helpful

 

[Kybber]

btw, I've been C&P the commands.

I strongly advice agains blindly copy-pasting commands from a howto, especially if you are new to Linux. Type out the commands instead, and use tab-completion. That will prevent you from encountering the same issues again, and you'll learn more.

 

[pricklypunter]

Couldn't agree more, the only way to retain what you do at the cli, is to actually type it out yourself. When you repeat the same commands a week later, although you might not exactly remember the full syntax or command switches, your brain will tell you that it doesn't look right (basic pattern recognition) and you'll be able to pull up the man pages, giggle etc and find some help. Assuming of course you don't panic and forget that they are available. There are times though when a quick c/p comes in handy and I freely admit to doing so, probably more often than I should, but it can have unintended consequences for those unaware. I remember feeling so lost in the various file systems when I first started out with Linux, just trying to remember where things were, how to navigate the tree etc. It's definitely a learning curve, more so for those poor souls only ever having been exposed to M$ Windows. Those that cut their teeth on the various flavours of DOS or have some programming experience have less of a struggle, as that lack of GUI doesn't scare them quite so much and their confidence is not dented by it. Either way, learning how to get the best out of "your" Linux is, without doubt, a journey worth taking

 

[Fritz]

Thanks all. Been super busy but gonna jump back on this tomorrow.